Soccer Mourns the Loss of Sol Bamba at 39

Former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba, known for his significant contributions to Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Leicester City, passed away at age 39. He was serving as technical director at Turkish club Adanaspor. Bamba was previously diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but had been declared cancer-free in 2021.

Sol Bamba, an esteemed former defender for the Ivory Coast, Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Leicester City, has died at the age of 39, Turkish club Adanaspor announced on Saturday. Bamba was serving as Adanaspor's technical director at the time of his passing.

Bamba had a storied playing career that included stints with Italian, Scottish, and Turkish clubs. He retired from professional football in January 2023 and began his coaching career as an assistant manager at Cardiff, eventually moving to the role of technical director at Adanaspor.

In 2021, Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but was declared cancer-free after undergoing chemotherapy. Tributes poured in from former clubs and the football community, citing his impact on and off the field. Cardiff City praised his 'immeasurable' contribution, while Leeds United honored him as 'one of the nicest people in football.'

(With inputs from agencies.)